I Am Golden #BookReview #picturebook #childrensbook #bookworm @evachen212 @mackidsbooks #iamgolden @sophiediao @feiwelfriends

Synopsis from Macmillan Publishers:

This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times bestselling author Eva Chen and illustrator Sophie Diao is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Chinese American children.

What do you see when you look in the mirror, Mei? Do you see beauty?

We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.

About: I Am Golden is a children’s fiction written by Eva Chen and illustrated by Sophie Diao. It was published on 2/1/2022 by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers, hardcover, 40 pages. The genres are children’s fiction, Asian literature, and picture book. This book is intended for readers ages 4 to 6. I have read another book by this author called Roxy the Unisaurus Rex Presents: Oh No! The Talent Show. According to the publisher’s website, “Feiwel and Friends is a publisher of innovative children’s fiction and nonfiction literature, including hardcover, paperback series, and individual titles. The imprint is dedicated to “book by book” publishing, bringing the work of distinctive and outstanding authors, illustrators, and ideas to the marketplace. Feiwel and Friends is defined and guided by our principle: Our books are friends for life.” Please see below for more information about the author and publisher.

My Experience: I started reading I Am Golden for my toddler’s nap time on 2/28/2022 and we finished it that same day. We have read it again a few times since. We loved the illustrations. So pretty! The book cover, the foods, the dragon, and the lotus flowers were especially gorgeous. This story read like a memoir with the girl having short hair resembling the author’s as well as family photos. The story of the girl and her family who is Chinese-American experiences living in US as an immigrant is also similar to the author per the author’s note. The secret power was a good advice from a parent to a child and from a book to its readers. Despite this book focused on Chinese-American, it can be relatable to other immigrants as well. All of us who’s parents came to the US to give us younger generations a brighter future left behind grandparents back home too.

This book followed a Chinese-American girl named Mei, a Chinese name translated into English would meant beautiful. A question was asked of Mei what she saw when she looked upon a mirror. She saw her eyes pointing towards the sun, smooth inky night sky black hair, and golden skin. Her parents said they saw hopes and dreams from their ancestors when they look at Mei. Her parents traveled to an unknown land (an immigration experience) and Mei became their teacher and translator. Her parents knew that Mei sometimes felt alone because people told her she was different but they couldn’t be with her all the time. Her parents promised her that there was power in being different. The secret was that she’s never alone and that she carried a golden flame inside of her and that it’s always there. The pages went on to tell what she’s made of and what she can do. There were Chinese words for grandpa and grandma and destiny too.

I Am Golden was a story of self-love for all Chinese-American growing up in another country and often feeling alone because others pointed out that they’re different. It’s a comfort and reminder to all other Chinese-American that they are seen and that they are beautiful. They have strength and power. They have the golden flame inside of them and so they should believe that they are golden. This book was also written against Asian hate crimes on the rise in US to remind kids to believe in themselves whenever they feel that they don’t fit in.

I rate it 5 stars!

Buy it here for free shipping: Book Depository or Macmillan’s website

About the Author and Illustrator:

Eva Chen is a first-generation Chinese-American who grew up in New York City. She blames her deviation from pre-med at Johns Hopkins University on a love of fashion and beauty instilled in her by her mother, whose perfect bob and lipstick made a permanent imprint on her impressionable young mind. Previously the editor in chief of Lucky, Eva has also written for ELLE, Vogue, Teen Vogue,Vogue China, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. She is currently the head of fashion partnerships at Instagram, where she is guilty of the occasional duck-face selfie. Eva lives in New York City with her husband and two children. She is the author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes, A Is for Awesome, and Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure. (Photo and info obtained from Macmillan’s website, book pictures obtained from Edelweiss).

Sophie Diao is an artist in San Francisco. As research for the book Sarah and the Big Wave, she surfed a wave that she’s pretty sure was over one foot tall. She loves illustrating natural wonders and is the talent behind many a Google Doodle. (Photo and info obtained from Macmillan’s website).

More Information about Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

Website: https://us.macmillan.com/mackids/ | Instagram: www.instagram.com/mackidsbooks | Twitter: www.twitter.com/mackidsbooks |Website: https://us.macmillan.com/publishers/feiwel-and-friends | Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/feiwelfriends

***Disclaimer: Many thanks to MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,

Jasmine